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Abbott government committed to introducing new therapies to Australia – May 22, 2015
The Abbott Government has implemented more than 652 new and amended listings to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) since winning government in September, 2013. In a press conference held on Thursday, May 21, 2015, Federal Health Minister, The Hon. Sussan Ley MP, said “We are listing new and amended drugs, about 30 a month, which…
Read MoreBig pharma set for Senate tax avoidance inquiry investigation – May 22, 2015
Following an exposé of alleged “rampant off-shoring” of profits by tech-companies including Apple, Microsoft and Google, Australia’s Economics References Committee met last week to discuss widening the focus of its Senate Tax Avoidance Inquiry to include “big pharma”. The Senate Tax Avoidance Inquiry was referred to the Economics References Committee by Senate on October 2,…
Read MoreFatal lung infection not on public’s radar – May 19, 2015
Fatal lung infection not on public’s radar Experts calling for Aussie adults to curtail risk of infection this Pneumonia Awareness Week Fewer than one-in-seven Australian adults at-risk of pneumonia consider themselves vulnerable, with only one-in-five having reported vaccinating against the often-fatal lung infection.1 In addition to advancing age (65+), Lung Foundation Australia’s ‘Lungs4Life’ research released…
Read MoreNew research reveals a tuberculosis treatment may hold the key to overcoming phobias – May 5, 2015
Researchers from Macquarie University, Sydney may have uncovered an interesting new use for tuberculosis treatment, D-cycloserine. Further to antibiotic activity in treating tuberculosis, D-cycloserine partially attaches to nerve cell receptors responsible for nerve conduction strength and memory, and as a result, can enhance learning and memory processes. In the research study, it was administered to…
Read MoreStriking over-the-counter pain medications for elderly off PBS to minimise strain on public purse – April 27, 2015
In a bid to save taxpayers millions of dollars, paracetamol, aspirin, antacids and other over-the-counter (OTC) medicines could be struck off the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) as of May, 2015. On average, OTC paracetamol, which is sold in supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies, costs between $2.89 and $3.50 for a pack of 20. For the…
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